Drag Path

Chapter 2 - Icy Forest

Morning came cold and gray.

The storm had mostly passed during the night, leaving the mountains buried beneath fresh snow that sparkled beneath the weak sunlight. Smoke drifted from the camp chimneys while horses stomped restlessly outside the cabins.

I stood near the hitching posts tightening my saddle when Sean approached holding a rifle over one shoulder.

"Dutch wants us moving," he said.

"Figured."

"You riding with us?"

"Wouldn't miss it."

Sean smirked faintly. "Lucky you."

Across camp, Dutch gathered everyone near the wagons while Micah explained where he'd found the O'Driscoll camp. Most people listened quietly, though nobody seemed thrilled about marching into another fight this soon.

Especially not after Blackwater.

"We go in fast," Dutch said firmly. "Get supplies, clear out whoever's left, and come back before another storm rolls through."

Bill cracked his knuckles eagerly. Javier checked his revolver. Micah looked way too excited for my liking.

Meanwhile, Joan sat near the cabin entrance wrapped in blankets beside Abigail. She looked pale, but alive at least.

When she noticed me looking over, she raised an eyebrow.

"You planning on getting yourself shot today?" she asked.

"No promises."

"That's reassuring." I grinned slightly before climbing into the saddle.

Not long after, we rode out into the mountains.

The snow reached nearly up to the horses' knees in places, slowing us to a crawl. Pine forests stretched endlessly around the narrow trails while cliffs towered above us on both sides.

Nobody spoke much during the ride. The quiet felt heavier now that the storm was gone.

Eventually Micah raised a hand. "There," he said.

Smoke curled faintly through the trees ahead.

Sean immediately narrowed his eyes. "Camp's occupied."

Dutch nodded once. "Alright. Stay sharp."

We dismounted a short distance away and moved through the snow on foot. I kept low beside Javier whileSeanand Dutch moved ahead to scout the camp properly.

Through the trees, I spotted several men gathered near the cabins below.

O'Driscolls.

Even from a distance, I recognized the green coats and rough voices. Micah grinned beside me like he'd been waiting for this all morning.

"There's the bastards."

Dutch glanced back toward us. "On my lead."

Everything went quiet after that. Snow drifted gently through the trees while the gang prepared their weapons. I could hear my own breathing beneath the scarf wrapped around my face.

Then Dutch stepped forward. "Now!"

Gunfire exploded through the mountains.

Sean dropped one O'Driscoll instantly while Bill charged downhill yelling like a maniac. I fired twice toward the cabins, catching another man in the shoulder before he disappeared behind cover.